by Asaf Winer

The 3-1 Patriots travel to Denver to take on the undefeated “Cinderella” Broncos. Both teams are coming off big wins and carrying heavy momentum into this game, but one team’s hot streak has to end. Let’s look at how New England and Denver match up.

Patriots on Offense

Any early-season Brady-haters should’ve been silenced by the win he had against the Ravens last week. Ok, I’ll admit it; I had the Ravens winning in a close one. Brady definitely impressed me with his pocket presence. And although his numbers weren’t outstanding, he managed the game, threw to 9 different receivers, and didn’t throw a pick. It’s hard to believe that the first Brady-Moss end zone hook up of the season happened just last week. New England will need more of that offensively, since their rushers will be limited against a smothering Broncos rush-defense. For their passing game to work, the Pats’ O-line and backs must hold Denver’s D-line and blitzes in check. LB Elvis Dumervil had 8 sacks in the last 3 games alone. This could be a nightmare for Brady if he doesn’t get protection, and I don’t mean from the refs. But if Brady buys time, he should find Moss downfield, who will go back to being more of a deep threat now that Wes Welker is back in the lineup. Welker will mean so much for Brady in Denver; the two have great chemistry, and Welker’s knack to get open quickly will bail Brady out of near-sacks. The Patriot offense has to be aware of CB Champ Bailey’s presence though, who can shut down receivers at will and whose playmaking abilities can change the game.

Broncos on Offense

The Josh McDaniels-Brandon Marshall hug said it best: everyone’s happy when you’re winning. Kyle Orton, once a timid quarterback, now shows loads of confidence and emotion. Brandon Marshall, once an unhappy receiver, is now playing like a man possessed. But this week they’ll be tested by a steadily-improving Patriot Defense that features a young cast of characters that love to blitz. The Broncos have to establish the run by giving more touches to Correll Buckhalter, who is averaging 7.2 yards per rush. Knowshon Moreno can give New England a different look out of the backfield. Denver’s O-line has to pick up on blitzes and Kyle Orton has to recognize whenever his receivers are left in single coverage. If he can get the ball to his new buddy, Brandon, in man coverage, expect big plays from Marshall. Let’s be real though, Marshall won’t make New England’s Defense look like a group of peewees still learning how to tackle. And even if he does, Brady won’t choke on the goal line with the game on the line.

It’s going to be a physical battle in Denver, but the difference-makers will be Brady and the Patriot receivers. If the score is close late in the game (which it very well could be), expect these guys to take over and old Belichick to spoil his former-apprentice’s hot streak.

Prediction

New England 20

Denver  14